Artist Spotlight: Kristian Jalonen

Welcome to another Artist Spotlight. This feature brings to you the work of a talented instant film photographer. We love to put people in the Spotlight so if you’d like to be considered for a future Artist Spotlight feature, you can email us, submit[at]snapitseeit.com. This week, we’d like you all to meet Swedish photographer, Kristian Jalonen. You can find more of Kristian’s work below. Be sure to check it out!

I am a 28 year old analogue photographer from Sweden. I’m born and raised in Stockholm but my wife and I have recently moved to Malmö to experience something new in order to find new inspiration in photography and life in general!

How did you get into instant photography?

One day some years ago, Alexander, a friend of mine came to me carrying a plastic bag filled with old cameras. He worked as a janitor and had found these cameras somewhere and saved them from being thrown in the trash. Alexander knew I was into analog photography and asked me if I’d like to grab one or two. Thats when I picked up my first instant camera! An SX-70 Land camera Alpha 1 model II.

What is your favorite camera used for instant photography?

The SX-70 has turned out to be my favorite camera. Simply because it’s an SLR camera, because you can adjust the focus – It’s not just a point and shoot. (Yes I am an experimental photographer but I still like to have some control…)

What instant camera have you not shot with, but would love to try?

Well, I’ve JUST started using instant cameras… So there are so many cameras I’d love to try! For example The SLR by MINT camera – being able to control the exposure time would simply save me a lot of money!

I used to shoot with 35mm, medium format, etc. Now I mostly shoot instant film. But my wife still shoots in those formats and we work together sometimes.

How would you describe your voice or vision with instant photography? (does it differ from your other work?)

I love the format itself since it enables great experimental possibilities in another way than other formats. For example, by manipulating the emulsion that rolls out. I’ve always been drawn to experimental photography and I believe thats a little bit of my signum. With instant film I’d say you get more productive, since you get much faster results and you can right away see what works and what doesn’t.

Any personal projects we should know about?

Too many! My head is close to exploding because of all these ideas. For example I’d like to develop my techniques of painting on films.

What other photographers do you look up too?

I like Gerhard Richter and Neil Krug.

What advice would you give to someone just getting into instant photography?

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Polaroid film is so much more than just Polaroid… There are endless possibilities. Explore them!

Where does your inspiration come from? Do you seek it out or wait till it finds you?

Mostly in the moment! I’ve learned to work with what I’ve got! And to make it work!